Imphal, January 15: After the election notification for the first phase of the election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly was issued on January 13, three nomination papers have been reportedly filed at Ukhrul and Thoubal districts today.

Among those who have filed the nomination papers include Dr Nimaichand Luwang of MPP.

Talking to The Sangai Express, an official of the State Election Department disclosed that for the first phase of the election to be held on February 8, one independent candidate filed his nomination paper from Ukhrul district while one MPP candidate and an NCP candidate filed their nominations from Thoubal district today.

However, no candidate has filed nomination paper from Senapati district which will also go to polls in the first phase till today.

The independent candidate who has filed his nomination to contest in the election from Ukhrul Constituency is identified as AS Shimreiyo while from Thoubal district Dr Nimaichand Luwang of MPP filed his nomination for Wangkhem Constituency and Md Fajur Rahman of NCP for Wabagai Constituency.

Meanwhile, sources informed that all the expenditure for election campaigning by Central political leaders and other VIPs who might come to Manipur in connection with the three-phase election has to be borne by the parties concerned and not the State Government.

However, in case of Prime Minister, the security expenditure would be provided by the State Government though the charges for hiring the platform, rostrum and putting up barricades have to be shelled out by the political party concerned, according to the source.

Despite the model code of conduct of the election being enforced, some of the Govt Depts have allegedly approached the Election Commission seeking permission for issuing tender for new projects and work orders, the source said, adding that such requests of the Depts is against the rules since the model code of conduct has been enforced.